Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel on Monday said he tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Pimentel, he found that he tested positive for COVID-19 after taking a swab test on Sunday as part of the requirements for physical attendees of the opening of the House’s Second Regular Session and the President’s SONA.

Pimentel was among those who was supposed to attend the two events.

“I had my swab test yesterday 8 a.m. in Congress as requirement for SONA,” Pimentel said.

“At 11:30 p.m. Dr. Dizon of Congress called me and told me I’m positive. Later on, he sent thru my email the result also,” Pimentel added.

House officials had announced that lawmakers and staff who will be physically attending the SONA will have to undergo mandatory swab and rapid testing for COVID-19.

Persons who will test positive in either of the COVID-19 tests will no longer be allowed to attend the SONA physically.

Pimentel’s announcement was ahead  of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon./Stacy Ang